Update on Controlling Herds of Cooperative Robots
TBMG-1947
06/01/2007
- Content
A document presents further information on the subject matter of “Controlling Herds of Cooperative Robots” (NPO-40723), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 30, No. 4 (April 2006), page 81. To recapitulate: A methodology for controlling a herd of cooperative and autonomous mobile robots exploring the surface of a remote planet or moon (specifically, Titan or Titan-like) is undergoing development. The proposed configuration of mobile robots consists of a blimp and a herd of surface sondes. The blimp is the leader of the herd, and it commands the other robots to move to locations on the surface or below the surface to conduct science operations. Once a target is chosen, the sondes cooperatively aim sensors at the target to maximize scientific return. This hierarchical and cooperative behavior is necessary in the face of such unpredictable factors as terrain obstacles and uncertainties in the model of the environment.
- Citation
- "Update on Controlling Herds of Cooperative Robots," Mobility Engineering, June 1, 2007.